There's a new band in town, and I think we all should take notice. These guys have been making waves in their home country of Canada and are about to take Western Canada by storm. I'm talking about the hard charging rock n roll band known as STRIP. If you haven't heard of them, stick around!

By the time this interview is over, you just might be a fan. I featured STRIP a couple months ago, and their popularity continues to grow on our site. I felt it was the right time to feature these guys even more, and thankfully, they agreed to do an exclusive interview. Sit back, have a cold one, and get ready for what just might be the next big thing in rock n roll.

IAATM - First off, thank you guys for doing this interview. Like I said in the intro, your popularity continues to grow on our site. As always, I'm going to lead with a basic question. How long have you guys been playing music?

STRIP - We’ve all been playing for quite some time. Combined, we’ve got over twenty years of experience in various bands.

IAATM - I hope you're talking combined, because you all don't look that old. I'm curious about the name STRIP. One could take a guess as to what it means. How did you guys come up with that name?

Pictured from L to R - Dougy Ness, TC, Joey Paul & Butterfly Mason

STRIP - When we were searching for a name that fit, we reminisced over how we all met. We all in one way or another met on the main drag in Vancouver. The "Strip", if you will.

IAATM - Unfortunately, I've never been to Vancouver, so I don't know anything about the main drag. Vancouver is on my "Places to Visit" list. I've been dying to ask you guys this next question. Your bio says you have plans to be the biggest rock band the world hasn’t seen in the past decade. That’s a pretty bold statement. Has anything happened recently giving you the indication you are on your way to accomplishing that?

STRIP - Without a statement that grandiose, you might as well be prepared to sing and jam in your basement. All of us feel very succinctly that we can be that aforementioned band. I think the fan reaction (especially at our recent shows) speaks volumes for the direction we’re headed in. The fire’s still there and that’s really all that matters.

IAATM - (Applause) - Well said! In a way that makes your statement less about cockiness and more about confidence. Very nice! One of my favorite topics to discuss with musicians is writing. When it comes to writing, does one person do it or is it a collaboration among all four of you?

STRIP - It’s all a collaboration in varying degrees. Lyrics is mostly myself and Dougy, but every song is a little different in its creation. Riffs might come out of the blue or a melody could strike in the middle of the night. On the other hand, we’ve had songs that we can’t quite find the finishing nail for months.

IAATM - Continuing on the lines of writing, my next question is becoming my staple question. Quite frankly, it's one that has me concerned, or maybe even baffled. In regards to writing music, how careful do you have to be not to “Blurred Lines” a song? You know, not to copy something that has already been done?

STRIP - Everyone’s influences will slip into their writing a little. That’s just an unfortunate part of modern song writing, as everyone has fifty plus years of great music to draw from. We try and follow the writing rule: If you think a song/hook is familiar, it probably is. Just try and keep your idea as pure as possible, and it’s hard to find yourself plagiarizing.

IAATM - Okay, that's one way to put it, and I guess it would be a good rule of thumb to live by. Now looking at the big picture, do you think there is ever going to come a point in time where there are just no available notes left without sounding like one of the millions of songs done before? I'm just amazed it hasn't happened already.

STRIP - Again, it’s hard to say. There are only so many notes to play, but I’m going to be optimistic and say no. For me, it all comes down to intent and rhythm. I think the future of song writing and the success of those who pursue it hangs upon creativity. Yes we live in a world where a billion songs have been written, but have they written yours? There’s always a new voice out there (and capos.)

IAATM - That seems to be the consensus with the musicians I've interviewed. Speaking of voices, I love when TC’s voice goes high. I think it separates you guys from a lot of bands out there. Are there any songs you are working on where this isn’t required as part of the song? Does it ever hurt?

STRIP - Aw shucks, flattered, truly. I look at it like a sports car; just because the power’s there, doesn’t mean you’ve got to rev the engine at every stop light. If a song or particular moment calls for it, I’m happy to use what range I have, but I’d hate to be pigeon-holed with it. Use the bag of tricks when you can, but versatility is the key (for any band not just ours.)

IAATM - Great analogy, but lets face it, we all know a couple of tools who like to rev their sports car up at every stop light. Speaking of money, are you guys 100% self-financed? How much do you think you spend on the band in a given year?

Strip - 100% self-made. We’d rather not add up that number because crying in the studio is strictly prohibited.

IAATM - Ha! I would hate to add up all the money I spend on one kid a year, so I see your point. I saw you’re going on tour. When and where does it start and when and where does it end?

STRIP - We sure are! We’re really happy with the outlook so far. It begins May 22nd in Surrey, BC and should take us right through the summer – sometime around September.

IAATM - Outstanding! Let me run something by you now. My favorite sound is when a harder sounding band collaborates with a soft singing female. What are your thoughts?

STRIP - Anytime a woman gently sings to you can’t be a horrible moment in your life, can it?

IAATM - Ha ha! You know you can't answer a question with a question. So, who's the biggest diva of the group?

IAATM - Hey now, that's two questions you guys didn't answer. I will agree, Anne Murray had some great hair. Here's an off the wall question. What do you think about Sea Monkeys? By the way, wouldn't that make a great band name?

STRIP - Great pets, horrible on toast. Only if it’s a Monkees cover band in sailor garb.

IAATM - Now that is funny! Speaking of The Monkees, who do you got, The Monkees or The Beatles?

STRIP - McCartney for song writing, Nesmith for the toque - pure class.

I should have known some guys from Canada would dig a guy wearing a small fitted wool cap. That is a classic response. I must admit, this interview had me cracking up from the beginning. Well done guys.

I really want to thank STRIP for giving a heck of an interview. I hope these questions and responses were able to provide a little glimpse into the life of these rock n roll Canadians. (By the way, another possible band name for someone out there.) The life of an indie artist can't be easy, but having fun and making great music sure helps, and STRIP is doing just that. Stay up to date with everything STRIP by following them on Twitter @STRIPtheband or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/STRIPtheband. Thanks again guys!